What to Do in Cancun When Beaches Are Infested by Sargassum Seaweed: Activities, Hotels & Best Spots

You’ve finally booked that dream trip to the Riviera Maya, only to arrive and find the turquoise water choked with brown seaweed, the air tinged with the smell of sulfur, and red flags waving along the coast. Unfortunately, the arrival of sargassum has become an annual challenge for beachgoers in Mexico’s Caribbean.

I have lived here for more than a decade, and I know it very well, however, for as much as I love going to the beach. I mean, this is the main reason why I moved to the whdon’t cancel your plans just yet, for two reasons. First of all, there are beaches that are not usually affected, though some unfortunate exceptions exist.

And secondly, the Riviera Maya is far more than just its beachfront. Between crystal-clear cenotes, offshore islands, eco-adventure parks, and ancient Mayan ruins, endless sargassum-free experiences are waiting to be explored.

Besides, if you love pools, many hotels feature infinity pools and top-notch amenities that can easily replace the soothing Caribbean sea. That is, if you come to Mexico for reasons other than the usual turquoise waters of the Caribbean coastline. This guide will show you where to go and what to do when seaweed crashes the party.

In this guide, I will share some useful tips on what to do if your beach has been infested by sargassum. Keep reading for some helpful insider tips.

Why Sargassum Hits Riviera Maya Beaches

Before diving into my travel tips, let’s talk about what Sargassum is and which areas are affected. Sargassum is a type of brown macroalgae that floats in massive mats across the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Sargasso Sea. Due to warming ocean temperatures, changes in currents, and nutrient-rich runoff, the Yucatán Peninsula’s Caribbean shores, especially Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal to Cancun, now experience large seasonal seaweed landings from May to October, peaking in mid-summer.

While some beaches fight back with barriers and cleanup crews, others are naturally sheltered or offer entirely different inland experiences.

Sargassum-Free Beaches to Consider

Before moving on to what to do when the beach is inaccessible, let’s check out some beaches that rarely get affected.

🏝️ Isla Mujeres – Playa Norte

Protected by the island’s geography, Playa Norte stays remarkably clear all year. Its shallow, calm water is ideal for swimming and relaxing without stepping through piles of seaweed.

This year, Playa norte was strangely affected by the sargasso, and a huge mass of algae was covering the normally white sand beach and turquoise waters, but it lasted only a few day,s and it’s now back to its original colors

🏖️ Cancun Playa Mujeres

These beaches, located on the more sheltered northern side of Cancun, usually experience minimal seaweed and are kept pristine by hotel staff. The beach is lined by a new settlement of beautiful high-end hotels that offer top-notch service and a secluded stay.

🌊 Puerto Morelos

This charming town sits behind a protective barrier reef that diverts much of the incoming sargassum. The beach near the marina and downtown is often clear and less crowded than Cancun or Playa del Carmen (except on Sundays)

🏝️ Holbox & Isla Contoy

To the north of Riviera Maya, Holbox’s main beach and Contoy’s untouched coastlines escape the sargassum belt. Great for wildlife watching and total relaxation. While in Holbox, you can enjoy a long stay; Isla Contoy can be reached only by a tour from Cancun. If you are staying in Cancun, it makes a great day trip.

🏖️ Paamul

Just a short drive from Playa del Carmen, Paamul Beach is one of those calm, tucked-away spots that often escape the worst of the sargassum. The bay is protected by a natural reef, which keeps the water clearer and calmer than most open beaches.

It’s a mix of sand and coral, so bring water shoes, but the snorkeling is fantastic — you can often spot colorful fish just a few meters from shore. There’s also a small beach club and restaurant where you can spend the day relaxing with a cold drink and enjoy the sea without the crowds.

It’s actually one of my favorite places to go and unwind, even if it has become a bit expensive nowadays. There is a minimum spend of 500 MXN + 200 per person if you want to use the facilities.

🏖️ Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras Beach is a peaceful spot on the Riviera Maya, about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. The beach sits in a small bay with calm turquoise water and soft white sand, perfect for swimming or relaxing away from the busier resort areas. It’s part of a gated marina community, so access is limited.

In fact, you need to have an invitation from a local of a reservation to a local restaurant. They will send you a QR code to show at gate security, along with an ID.

I have spent quite a bit of time in this community, housesitting for a friend of mine who lives here, and I can say it’s one of my favorite spots in the Riviera Maya. Definitely recommend spending a day there.

The beach also gets hit by the sargassum, but it’s occasional, and you can always find a spot that’s weed-free.

Reaching Puerto Aventuras is easy by car—just follow Highway 307 from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. It’s an ideal stop for a quiet day by the sea with a laid-back local vibe.

🏝️ Isla Blanca – Cancun’s Hidden Paradise

Just 25 minutes north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Isla Blanca is a peaceful strip of white sand between the Caribbean Sea and the Chacmoch Lagoon, usually sargasso-free. This undeveloped gem is perfect when you want to escape the crowds and the sargassum-covered beaches. The water is usually calm and clear, ideal for kitesurfing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore. There are no big resorts here — just nature, sea breeze, and a few beach shacks serving fresh ceviche. Bring your own shade, snacks, and enjoy one of Cancun’s best-kept secrets before it becomes the next big thing.

Inland & Activity-Based Escapes

💧 Cenote Adventures

When the sea turns brown, head underground — literally. The Yucatán Peninsula’s cenotes are freshwater sinkholes formed when limestone caves collapsed, revealing crystal-clear pools connected by an underground river system. They’re completely sargassum-free, refreshingly cool, and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or even diving.

Each cenote has its own charm:

• Cenote Choo-ha in Coba, one of my favorites, where you can swim among stalagmites and stalactites with not so much crowd.
• Dos Ojos: Famous among divers for its cave systems and incredible visibility. The two connected “eyes” of this cenote glow turquoise in the light.
• Gran Cenote: One of the most popular near Tulum. Really beautiful for its rock formations and bridges, but a bit crowded to my taste. Go super early if you want to enjoy it best.
• Cenote Cristal and Escondido, two of my favorites near Tulum. I love the platforms where you can jump or float in the cenotes and relax by the water’s edge.

Most cenotes are located in lush jungle settings and are well-organized, offering changing rooms, showers, lockers, and guided tours for safe exploration. Some even have small cafés or picnic areas. It’s a refreshing, magical way to enjoy Mexico’s nature when the beach isn’t an option — and honestly, many travelers end up loving these freshwater paradises even more.

🌿 Eco & Adventure Parks

Adventure parks like Xcaret, Xplor, and Xel-Há are built around underground rivers, cenotes, ziplines, and jungle trails, far from seaweed-invaded beaches. They offer:

• Tubing and rafting in freshwater
• Zip-lining and ATV courses
• Cultural performances and wildlife exhibits

You can easily spend an entire day in one of these parks and never miss the ocean.

I would recommend getting a GoCity Cancun Pass if you plan to join multiple tours, as it can save you a few bucks.

Visit the ancient Mayan sites

🏛️ Tulum Ruins – Ancient Walls with a View

Even if sargassum has taken over the shoreline, Tulum’s ruins still offer one of the most breathtaking views in Mexico. This walled city was once a major Mayan port that traded turquoise and jade, and it’s one of the few ruins right by the sea.
You can wander through the temples surrounded by iguanas basking in the sun, admire the detailed carvings of the Temple of the Frescoes, and climb up near El Castillo for sweeping views of the Caribbean. The beach below may be covered in seaweed, but the turquoise horizon beyond it still looks magical in photos.

TIP: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

🏛️ Coba – Hidden Pyramids in the Jungle

If you’re craving a bit of adventure away from the coast, Coba is perfect. It’s tucked deep in the jungle, about 45 minutes from Tulum, and feels wild and mysterious.

Rent a bike or hop on a tricycle taxi to explore the ancient sacbeob, the Mayan white stone roads that once connected the city to nearby villages.

The whole place is surrounded by jungle sounds — cicadas, birds, and the occasional howler monkey — giving it a true Indiana Jones vibe.

Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at a nearby cenote like Cenote Choo-Ha for a refreshing dip after exploring.

🏛️ Chichén Itzá – The Iconic Wonder

If seaweed has you skipping beach days, Chichén Itzá makes a perfect inland day trip. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO site for good reason.

You’ll be amazed by the symmetry of El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), where during the equinox, the sun casts the shadow of a serpent slithering down the pyramid.

Explore the Temple of the Warriors, the Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote, where Mayans once offered gifts to the gods.
Tip: Many tours from the Riviera Maya include a stop at a cenote and the colorful colonial town of Valladolid, so you can make a full day of it.

🏛️ Ek Balam – The Hidden Gem

For a less crowded and more personal experience, Ek Balam is fantastic. It’s smaller and quieter than Chichén Itzá but incredibly detailed. The main pyramid, the Acropolis, can still be climbed, and from the top, you get a panoramic jungle view that stretches for miles.

The stucco carvings here are among the best-preserved in the region — you can still see intricate depictions of winged figures and Mayan rulers. Plus, the nearby Cenote X’Canche is just a short bike ride away, so you can cool off in crystal-clear water afterward.
Tip: Go early or late in the afternoon for soft light and great photos.

Offshore & Water-Based Activities

Just because the beaches are full of seaweed doesn’t mean the sea is off-limits. Many offshore excursions operate well beyond the sargassum zone.

🚤 Go Offshore – Clear Waters Beyond the Coast

When the shoreline is covered in sargassum, the trick is simple — head offshore. The seaweed mainly gathers along the coastline, so once you’re a few hundred meters out, the water turns back to that perfect Caribbean blue.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Snorkel in Cozumel or Isla Mujeres: Both islands sit farther from the mainland, where sargassum rarely reaches. Cozumel’s Palancar Reef and Isla Mujeres’ Garrafon Natural Reef Park offer some of the clearest waters and most colorful coral gardens in the region.
• Scuba Dive at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef: This is the second-largest reef system in the world, stretching from Mexico down to Honduras. Dive spots like Pared Verde near Playa del Carmen or Santa Rosa Wall in Cozumel are famous for turtles, eagle rays, and brilliant corals.
• Deep-Sea Fishing from Puerto Aventuras or Playa del Carmen: Charter a boat and spend the day in open water, where the only thing you’ll see floating is your fishing line. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, and barracuda are common catches.
• Swim with Whale Sharks (June–September): During these months, you can join tours from Cancun or Isla Holbox to swim alongside these gentle giants. They gather offshore, far from any seaweed zones, in calm, crystal-clear waters.

Heading offshore is one of the best ways to escape sargassum and still enjoy the Riviera Maya’s marine life. The farther you go, the cleaner and bluer the water gets — a perfect reminder that paradise isn’t just on the beach.

Sample Sargassum-Free Itinerary

Stay in one of the stunning resorts and enjoy the pool

Breathless Cancun

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa is one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Cancun with private pools — and a favorite among solo travelers.

Set right along Cancun’s hotel zone, this stylish adults-only resort blends luxury and fun. Suites feature private plunge pools, hot tubs, or direct swim-up access, while every room includes modern comforts such as air conditioning, balconies or terraces, and ocean or lagoon views.

🌊 Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen

Grand Velas is the ultimate mix of luxury and relaxation, with three distinct pool areas to fit any mood: the Zen Pool, surrounded by tropical jungle; the Ambassador Pool, near the beach for families and groups; and the Grand Class Pool for adults seeking peace and privacy.

The views of the Caribbean from infinity are breathtaking, and the poolside service is top-notch. Guests love the oversized cabanas, attentive staff, and gourmet snacks served right by the water. It’s elegant, peaceful, and incredibly pampering, perfect for travelers who want a flawless 5-star experience.

🏝️ Hotel Xcaret Arte – Between Playa del Carmen & Xcaret Park

This adults-only resort is more than just a hotel — it’s an artful retreat surrounded by rivers, caves, and jungle. Its network of multi-level infinity pools feels almost sculptural, with waterfalls, bridges, and loungers built into the rock.

Every pool has a different vibe, from tranquil corners to lively swim-up bars. Guests also have access to all Xcaret parks, making it ideal for those who want both relaxation and adventure. The design blends modern architecture with natural beauty, making every pool moment feel cinematic.

🌴 Viceroy Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen

Viceroy is a boutique-style hideaway designed for peace and privacy. Each thatched-roof villa comes with its own private plunge pool and terrace surrounded by tropical gardens, perfect for a quiet dip at any hour.

There’s also a main infinity pool facing the sea, lined with cushioned loungers and swaying palms.

The atmosphere is calm and sophisticated, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking serenity. Personalized service, ocean views, and a jungle-meets-beach setting make it one of the most romantic places to stay in the Riviera Maya.

Conclusion

Don’t let seaweed ruin your Riviera Maya getaway. With the right strategy, you can skip the sargassum and still swim in crystalline waters, explore mystical cenotes, climb ancient pyramids, and enjoy vibrant local culture. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or just a peaceful escape, the region still has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.